BMW Brake Concerns: How Often Should You Consider Replacement Services?
Your BMW is a well-tuned, high-performance machine. Each element of your BMW ensures you enjoy the performance you’ve come to expect. While BMWs are very reliable, they require preventative maintenance and replacement of parts, such as brake pads, like every other vehicle. However, finding reliable and affordable European brake repair in Elkhart, IN isn’t as simple as finding domestic or Asian vehicle service.
Quality Import Services in Elkhart, IN can help. We specialize in European and German vehicle auto repair and maintenance. As experts, we’re often asked, “How often should I replace my BMW brakes?” Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer. Most BMWs will need brake pad replacement between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits. With such a vast mileage span, you need to know the signs your vehicle may issue when it needs BMW brake repair.
BMW Brake Pad Sensor Warning Light in Elkhart, IN
Most modern vehicles have brake pad wear sensors that alert you whenever your brake pads need to be changed. BMW brake pad sensors are usually a loop of rubber wire inside the brake pad. After wearing down, it will reach a point where the brake pad sensor is exposed. If you continue to drive your BMW, the friction can cause the wire to split, which breaks an electrical stop. As a result, your vehicle’s computer, or Engine Control Unit (ECU), will alert you with a dashboard warning indicator.
Your Brake Pads Are Too Thin
If the mechanic at Quality Import Services in Elkhart, IN suggests your brake pads are too thin, it’s time to replace them. While you may be able to look through your vehicle’s wheel spokes to see the thickness of your pads, the wheels typically have to be removed. In either case, new BMW brake pads can be 10 to 12 millimeters thick. When your brake pads wear down to about 3 millimeters, it’s time for brake pad replacement at Quality Import Services.
You Hear a Metal Scraping or Grinding Sound
Undoubtedly, one of the most serious indicators you need new brake pads is when you hear a grinding or metal-on-metal sound upon braking. This sound alerts you that your brake pads are worn and need immediate brake pad replacement. The metal-on-metal, grinding sound means your brake pads are worn so thin that the metallic base of the pad is rubbing against your rotors. If you continue to drive your BMW in this condition, you can experience compromised stopping ability. At the same time, it can cause damage to the rotors, resulting in more expensive rotor service and repair.
You Feel Steering Wheel Vibration When Stopping
If you press the brake pedal to stop and feel a vibration in your steering wheel, it can be one of two things:
- Your brake pads worn
- You have warped brake rotors
Depending on the condition of your brake system, the vibrations could be erratic or mild. Vibrations can be caused if oil or dirt clogs your pads. It’s best to replace dirty brake pads because they can have a more difficult time gripping the rotor and stopping your vehicle. In either case, you should visit the mechanic at Quality Import Services in Elkhart, IN for the proper brake pad or brake repair.
The Brake Pad Goes to the Floor or Feels Spongy
Every time you press the brake pedal, you should feel firm resistance. If your brake pedal is spongy or goes to the floor when you press it, you definitely need brake repair in Elkhart, IN. A spongy brake pedal is often caused when air enters the brake fluid. The air reduces the pressure in the system, resulting in the pedal not having the right resistance or smoothness when braking. In addition to air being in the brake lines, other causes of a spongy brake pedal include:
- Leaking or damaged brake line
- Leaking disc brake calipers
- Worn-out master cylinder
- Leaking wheel cylinder
To accurately diagnose the underlying cause, it’s vital to have a comprehensive brake inspection at Quality Import Services in Elkhart, IN.
Contact Quality Import Services in Elkhart, IN, for BMW & European Brake Repair
Your BMW brakes are the most important safety feature of your vehicle. And if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary sounds, performance, or smells coming from your brakes, you should have professional vehicle diagnostics performed. Simply put, you have too much riding around on your brakes to leave it to chance. Contact Quality Import Services today for brake repair in Elkhart, IN.
Call us at (574)262-1037, visit us at 2504 Johnson St in Elkhart, IN, or complete our online contact form.
